Darcy, Knight Errant (Elizabeth and Darcy True Love Multiverse)

17. Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Elizabeth had thought she would have been able to escape Mr. Collins for at least one morning, but she was wrong. Mr. Collins was not fit and as she and Mary set off to walk into Meryton and visit the shops, she couldn’t help but hope he would choose to stay at Longbourn. While Elizabeth and Mary walked at a comfortable pace, he lagged behind, huffing and complaining, despite having the option of staying with the rest of their family at Longbourn.

By the time they arrived at the apothecary, he was drenched in sweat and gasping. He had used his cravat to wipe ineffectually at his face. Linking arms with Mary, Elizabeth put on a brave face, refusing to let Mr. Collins’s stalking behavior deter her from entering the shop to restock their family’s headache powders. It was not surprising really that they had run out at such a time. Everyone was suffering Mr. Collins’s presence.

They strolled in and out of several shops, chatting with the friendly shop owners and making purchases. They managed without issue until they arrived at the bookshop. By that time, Mr. Collins had finally caught his breath, though he still looked bedraggled. Knowing how much they both adored the bookshop, the sisters deliberately left it as their final destination. The bonus was that they would not have to carry any books they acquired throughout the town with them as they shopped.

Elizabeth scanned the spines of the various titles, hoping to spot something new, while Mary perused the sheets of music at the front of the store. She had just drawn a book from the shelf when Mr. Collins disturbed her peace with his blathering, “Cousin Elizabeth, I believe you are in the wrong section.”

Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth turned to the poor excuse for a man and said, “What ever can you mean, Mr. Collins? I have been in this bookshop hundreds of times. I know exactly what section I am in.”

“Miss Elizabeth, this section holds novels. You cannot possibly be thinking of purchasing one of them.” Mr. Collins’s voice trembled with horror, his pale complexion hinting at his shock or possibly the toll of his earlier exertion.

Looking around the room, it relieved Elizabeth that only the proprietor Mr. Ellis was present, and he would never hold Mr. Collins against her. As Elizabeth turned to confront him, she clutched the novel tightly, her hands trembling with the desire to use it as a weapon. “Yes, Mr. Collins, I was attempting to find a new novel to purchase. Reading novels has been a cherished pastime for my sisters and me, Mr. Collins. Perhaps you might like to join us as we take turns reading it aloud one of these evenings.” Elizabeth knew her comment would upset Mr. Collins, but she couldn’t tolerate his pompous behavior any longer. It made her want to needle him.

Without warning, he yanked the book away from her, treating it as if it were a lethal instrument, and let it crash onto the floor. He clutched her arm, his grip unyielding as he tried to forcefully remove her from the store. He would have been more successful if she was not wearing her boots, or had he not been so much shorter than her.

Shocked by his actions, it took Elizabeth a moment to for her to form a protest. “Mr. Collins! Unhand me this instant! What can you be thinking of manhandling me so?” Despite Elizabeth’s efforts to resist being dragged, Mr. Collins persisted in tightly clutching her arm, his fingers digging into her flesh.

It was a relief to hear the deep, resonant voice of Mr. Darcy saying, “Mr. Collins, I find that I must second Miss Elizabeth’s question. What are you thinking to be handling a lady so roughly?” Turning slightly, Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy standing in the doorway to the shop, his expression thunderous.

Fuming, Mr. Collins glared fiercely at Mr. Darcy. He snapped, “It is obvious that Cousin Elizabeth is incapable of choosing her own reading material, so I am removing her from the temptation. I would thank you for moving out of our way.”

Ignoring Mr. Collins’s show of anger, Mr. Darcy’s voice gained a sharp edge as he commanded, “Let go of Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Collins. Now.”

Jerking Elizabeth in response to her attempt to break free, Mr. Collins shook his head. “You can have no say in the matter, sir. She is my cousin. I am a man of God and a representative of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Thus, you will not stop me.”

Stepping closer to Mr. Collins, Mr. Darcy’s voice became even more dangerous. “Mr. Collins, none of those excuses can justify your actions. In fact, they make your behavior even more disgraceful. If you do not release Miss Elizabeth immediately, I may have to break your arm.”

Finally, realizing the danger he was exposing himself to, Mr. Collins released her arm and took a step back, his eyes widening in alarm. Stepping forward, Mr. Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm, and she gratefully accepted it and the protection he offered. With a gentle smile, Mr. Darcy covered her trembling hand on his arm and inquired, “Miss Elizabeth, were you looking to purchase something before returning home?”

Clearing her throat, Elizabeth said, “I had been hoping to purchase that novel on the floor.”

It surprised Elizabeth when Mr. Bingley, who had gone unnoticed until now, swiftly maneuvered past her and Mr. Darcy to retrieve the novel. He brushed off the dirt and handed it back to Elizabeth, offering her a warm smile and sending a pointed glare towards Mr. Collins.

Huffing, Mr. Collins jerked on his mussed waistcoat and proclaimed, “It is my responsibility to guide my cousin and intended away from the sin of reading inappropriate material, such as novels. I would have you know that Lady Catherine often decries the habit of young ladies to read novels, and I will not allow Elizabeth to corrupt herself so. She is due for a rigorous lesson in her place in the world, and what I expect of her. I will thank you for leaving the matter to me.”

Elizabeth could feel Mr. Darcy stiffen beside her. If she wanted to rail at the pompous fool, she could only imagine Mr. Darcy’s reaction to the fool that was her father’s heir. Coming up with a response to Mr. Collins’s ridiculous statement proved challenging for Elizabeth. Just what should she address first? Regardless, she would need some of the headache powders she had just bought by the time that they returned home.

When he had come into the bookshop and seen Mr. Collins accosting Miss Elizabeth, Darcy had to restrain himself in reacting in a violet manner. Though he had successfully separated her from Mr. Collins, it had not cooled his ire in the slightest. Darcy clenched his jaw, suppressing the urge to strike the diminutive man in front of him.

Beside him stood Miss Elizabeth, who was remarkably calm despite being accosted in so outrageous a fashion. Though he could feel the slight tremor in her hand where it rested on his arm, her voice was firm when she said, “Mr. Collins, you are not my father, and he has not given you any such position of power over me. I seek neither your council nor that of your patroness, so I will thank you for desisting.”

Mouth dropping to reveal discolored teeth, Mr. Collins asserted, “My patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh—”

Darcy cut him off by sternly by saying, “Mr. Collins, your patroness is far removed from here and can have nothing to do with anyone in this town or its environs. You are acting worse than the crudest of laborers disrupting the peace of this shop.” Then, with a disdainful shake of his head, he added, “You may be the heir to an estate, but you have not earned the distinction that you seem to think comes with that position. Your actions are not those of a gentleman, but a brute. I suggest you think hard about what you need to do to earn the respect of the people in Meryton. You have done little thus far.”

Mr. Collins looked at the shop owner, surprised to see his angry glare. He had not acted when Mr. Darcy said, “Mr. Ellis, I believe that Miss Elizabeth was desirous of purchasing something.”

Turning his back on the disgruntled vicar, Mr. Ellis rushed to Miss Elizabeth’s side exclaiming, “My dear, I am so happy to hear that you found something you were interested in.” The transaction between them was swift, and Darcy suspected they had developed a good relationship with as much as Miss Elizabeth read.

Darcy saw Bingley offer his arm to Miss Mary, who seemed affected by the confrontation as well. He and Miss Elizabeth followed them out. They all walked together to where the gentlemen had left their horses and, gathering their reins, they began walking toward Longbourn in silence. Mr. Collins followed behind them, his animosity palpable.

They had not gone far when Miss Elizabeth spoke up, though she kept her voice low so as not to be overheard. “Mr. Darcy, thank you for helping me to handle Mr. Collins. I do not know how I might have handled the situation on my own.”

“I am sure that you would have found a way, Miss Elizabeth. You were wearing boots, after all,” smiled Mr. Darcy. His admiration for her had been growing for a while, and observing Miss Elizabeth’s resolute response to Mr. Collins’s abuse only strengthened his conviction.

Chuckling, Miss Elizabeth said, “I have pictured kicking him a time or two.” Then, looking up at him, she asked, “Would you have thought it unladylike if I kicked him in the shin?”

Laughing at the image her words had created, Darcy said, “Not at all. Would you think me gentlemanly if I admitted to wanting to punch him in the face?”

When Miss Elizabeth looked back down the path before them the angle of her bonnet prevented him from seeing her expression when she said, “No, Mr. Darcy, though I suspect at least a few of my sisters would have been sorry to have missed such an action.”

They walked in companionable silence until Darcy remembered the news he had for her. Excitedly, he exclaimed, “Georgianna has moved up her arrival and will reach Netherfield by teatime tomorrow.”

Casting a quick glance back up at him, Miss Elizabeth smiled. Darcy savored her smile while she said, “I have longed for your sister’s company, and I am genuinely thrilled to spend time with her once more.”

“I know she is looking forward to spending time with you as well,” responded Darcy. Then, after a slight hesitation, he said, “I hope that you and maybe Jane might take tea with her and Mrs. Annesley tomorrow?”

“Of course I would have to check with Jane, but I can see no impediment to our visiting tomorrow,” answered Miss Elizabeth with enthusiasm.

Darcy smiled, glad that he had arranged the treat for his sister so easily. It was disappointing to realize that they had nearly arrived at Longbourn, and he would have to leave Miss Elizabeth in the company of the odious man trailing behind them. As if sensing his unease, Miss Elizabeth said, “Do not fret so. Once I arrive home, I will complain of a headache and remove myself to my room. I am certain my sisters will help me avoid his company, at least for tonight, and tomorrow I will get to come see Georgianna. I have much to look forward to.”

Startled by her reassurance, Darcy pondered aloud, his voice filled with curiosity. “I have often wondered what it is about you that effortlessly captivates people. The way you decipher my thoughts so accurately, it’s as if you have some magical insight into my mind.”

Laughing at his comment, Miss Elizabet shook her head, and Darcy was glad to see the return of her usual effervescent spirits. “It’s not magic,” Miss Elizabeth chuckled, her voice full of laughter. “I’m just a keen observer and can draw conclusions from what I see. From your frequent glances back at Mr. Collins and the perturbed expression on your face, I can tell that his proximity to me displeases you.”

It made a certain amount of sense, though it startled Darcy to think that he had been so easily read. “That is only too true,” he grumbled, adding, “If I had my way, he would be heading off to some foreign country full of bugs and safely away from you.”

By the time that the carriage was rolling down the drive to Netherfield, Georgianna was practically bouncing in her seat. She was so excited. Looking out the window, she commented, “Netherfield seems to be a lovely property.”

“Yes,” Mrs. Annesley agreed. She smiled indulgently at Georgianna before saying, “Though I can well understand your excitement, it will not do for your brother to see you act less than the young lady you are.”

Giggling, Georgianna assured her companion, “Do not worry, Mrs. Annesley, I will act with the utmost dignity and grace when I meet my brother and Mr. Bingley. No matter how much I will want to do so, I will not jump or squeal and shame you.”

In no time at all, Georgianna was being handed down from the carriage. She walked sedately up the steps and greeted her brother with all the grace and dignity that her position of Miss Darcy deserved. It was her brother that leaned down and, taking her up in his arms, swung her about. If she could not help but giggle at such a display, she assumed everyone might have to forgive her. It was her brother’s fault, after all.

Setting her back down on her feet, William greeted Mrs. Annesley and escorted them in. Mr. Bingley was hanging back, smiling at the reunion. Once inside, he stepped forward and introduced them to the housekeeper, Mrs. Nichols. She seemed a happy woman eager to please, though possibly less foreboding than Pemberley’s own housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds.

“If I might say, both gentlemen have been looking forward to your arrival. We have you in the suite of rooms across from your brother, Miss Darcy. You and Mrs. Annesley shall share the sitting room that connects the two.” As Mrs. Nichols spoke, she escorted the two weary travelers up to their rooms to refresh themselves. As she opened the door for Georgianna, she kindly informed her, “Downstairs, we have a special tea waiting for you. There’s no need to rush, as nothing cannot wait for your arrival.”

Georgianna thanked the woman kindly before walking into her room to find it well appointed in pleasing green tones with the locational pop of pink and deep rose. Settling into the chair in the corner, Georgianna took a moment to look around with a smile. She hurriedly completed her toilet, aided by her maid, who had arrived with her luggage. As she changed into a new, less dusty outfit, she felt a sense of eagerness to return to her brother alongside Mrs. Annesley.

As soon as Georgianna took a seat, William wasted no time in instructing a maid to offer her a refreshing cup of tea, while inquiring, “Did everything go smoothly during your journey?”

Glancing at Mrs. Annesley, Georgianna smiled. Her brother was always so solicitous to those he cared for. After taking a sip of the tea to quench her thirst, Georgianna answered, “Our journey went well. We left London just as the sun was rising, though all the smog about the city kept us from truly enjoying the sight.”

Mr. Bingley, sitting in the chairs across from her, said, “It seems that you made good time coming from London. I am surprised you arrived as early as you did.”

Smiling, Mrs. Annesley explained, “Miss Darcy was very determined to arrive at Netherfield as soon as possible. I believe she had everything packed and ready to go by yesterday morning.”

Chuckling, Georgianna said, “What can I say? I was keen to see William.”

“As much as I would like to believe you, little sister, I suspect you were not looking forward to seeing me as your were to someone else. Say someone who lives in the area?” joked her brother.

Georgianna looked at William closely. As much as their relationship had been improving, it was still odd to see him so lighthearted and joking. In the past, even with Bingley in the room, he had always been more reserved. However, now that she thought about it, Miss Bingley was normally present as well, and her presence would always create an uncomfortable atmosphere for both of them. Was the whole difference the lack of that horrid woman?

Either way, Georgianna was glad to see her brother more at ease. Taking another sip of her tea to hide her hesitation, Georgianna answered, “I will admit that I am eager to see Elizabeth again and meet the sisters that she spoke so fondly of.”

“Then I am glad I presumed to invite guests, though you only just arrived.” Gesturing with his chin for her to look behind her, her brother grinned.

Turning, Georgianna saw Lizzie being led in by a footman and being followed by an elegant blonde. Setting her teacup down carefully and rushed over to greet her friend that she had not seen for so long. There was a lot of hugging and laughing before she was introduced to Miss Bennet, Elizabeth’s older sister. Linking arms with Elizabeth, Georgianna moved back to the settee and gratefully noticed that Mrs. Annesley had switched seats so that she could sit with her friend. Miss Bennet had sat near to Mr. Bingley and was casting furtive glances his way.

Georgianna smiled at Elizabeth, whispering, “You did not let me know about that in any of your letters.”

Accepting the cup of tea that Mrs. Annesley served her with thanks, Elizabeth replied in another whisper, “I did not want to share any confidences until my sister was more certain of her feelings and his. My sister is often the focus of gentlemen, but she often hides her feelings in fear of being hurt.” Glancing back over at her sister who was chatting softly with Mrs. Annesley and Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth added, “I hope that she has finally found the man who will respect and love her as she deserves.”

“How exciting. Although I don’t know your sister well, she gives off an aura of goodness and appears to have a strong rapport with Mr. Bingley. I have always known him to be a cheerful gentleman, though I know he has had trouble finding a lady who might accept him despite his unfortunate relations.” Georgianna found it hard to keep a straight face despite her comment about Miss Bingley. It might not have been the nicest thing to say about the lady, but given the countless occasions she had to spend time with her, it was difficult to hold back.

Chuckling, Elizabeth said, “I suppose we all have family members we would be happy to do without. I know I have a few I fear might become an impediment to an advantageous match.”

Georgianna observed a subtle change in her friend’s expression as she discussed the pursuit of a beneficial match, a fleeting shadow crossing her face despite the smile. She knew her brother had been concerned about the visiting heir. Was it possible Elizabeth was worried as well?